The National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT-R) has unveiled an innovative solution that could transform the seafood industry. The institute has developed a pH-sensitive intelligent film capable of monitoring seafood freshness in real-time. Made from natural, biodegradable materials, this cutting-edge packaging technology promises not only to enhance food safety but also to reduce waste, offering a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. With this breakthrough, NIT-R is paving the way for a new era of smarter, more sustainable food packaging.

How Does the Film Work?
The film is composed of starch extracted from Kodo millet, gum tragacanth, and beetroot peel extract, which contains pH-sensitive pigments known as betalains. These natural components make the film biodegradable, safe, and responsive. When seafood begins to spoil and pH levels rise, the film changes color from red (indicating freshness) to yellow (indicating spoilage) in 48 hours, providing a clear visual indicator of freshness.

Benefits of the Intelligent Film
- Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly: The film's natural components ensure it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, aligning with sustainability goals.
- Non-Invasive Freshness Detection: The film offers a non-invasive way to assess seafood freshness, eliminating the need for invasive testing methods.
- Visual Cues: The color-changing film provides visual cues about the product's condition, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions.

Significance of the Innovation
India is the world's second-largest fish producer, contributing approximately 8% of global fish production, and is among the top five shrimp producers globally. Given the scale and importance of seafood production, innovations that ensure freshness and reduce spoilage are of immense value. This intelligent packaging film developed by NIT Rourkela offers a promising solution for enhancing food safety and reducing waste.

At the laboratory scale, the cost of producing the film was estimated at approximately Rs. 900 per kilogram. However, researchers believe that with industrial-scale manufacturing, costs could fall to between Rs. 400 and Rs. 600 per kilogram, making it a potentially viable option for commercial use.

 Real-World Applications
The research team is engaging with stakeholders in the seafood industry to explore real-world applications of this technology. With its innovative approach to freshness detection, this intelligent packaging film has the potential to transform the seafood industry and improve food safety standards.

 Key Takeaways
- Innovative Solution: NIT Rourkela's intelligent film offers a practical solution for improving food safety and reducing waste in the seafood industry.
- Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly: The film's natural components ensure it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- Commercially Viable: The film's projected cost range makes it a potentially viable option for commercial use.

By providing a real-time solution for monitoring seafood freshness, NIT Rourkela's intelligent film has the potential to make a significant impact on the seafood industry, enhancing food safety and reducing waste.